The Greater Halifax Partnership released the findings of their Head and Regional Office (HRO) Report. This media release illustrates why HROs are viable for the city of Halifax.

1. Media Release
For Immediate Release
April 14, 2014
Head and Regional Offices Significantly Impact Halifax Economy
HALIFAX, NS - A new report released by the Greater Halifax Partnership today shows that Head and
Regional Offices (HROs) are major contributors to Halifax's and Nova Scotia’s economy. HROs create
high paying jobs, increase procurement of goods and services, enhance corporate social responsibility,
and advance research and development that generate new opportunities.
Nova Scotia is home to 78 head offices, the highest concentration in Atlantic Canada and the highest
number per capita in Eastern Canada. The province is also home to a substantial regional office presence
including all of Canada’s five major banks and several fortune 500 companies, most of which are located
in Halifax.
“Head and Regional Offices make a significant impact on Halifax’s and the province’s economy,” says
Fred Morley, Executive Vice President and Chief Economist at the Greater Halifax Partnership. “The 53
Halifax-based HROs included in the economic impact analysis contribute more than $1.3 billion annually
to the production of goods and services in Nova Scotia and their demand for other local goods and
services support spin-off activity of $1.1 billion for local businesses. This represents about 15% of the
total Halifax economy. The impact of all head and regional offices in Halifax is likely three to five times
larger.”
This cross-section of HROs support 25,611 direct and spin-off person-years of employment and a total of
$1.3 billion in household income including $574.5 million in direct household income and $744.1 million
in spin-off household income. This translates into $77.5 million spent on mortgages in Nova Scotia,
$83.7 million on vehicles, and $139.6 million spent on groceries and restaurants. In addition, HRO
activity and the resulting spin-offs generate $193 million in federal taxes and $194 million in provincial
taxes annually. (Please see link to infographic below.)
As corporate citizens of our community, HROs also make notable contributions to community
development through direct charitable giving ($11.9 million in 2013), employee giving and time
volunteered by employees and management.
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“What this study clearly shows is that HROs are good for our economy and our communities,” says
Morley. “Many communities across Canada and around the world – like Vancouver, Atlanta, Georgia and
Dublin, Ireland - are paying close attention to HROs and are launching targeted programs to attract and
retain operations. Halifax needs to do the same to enhance its position as a location of choice for HROs.”
The HRO report outlines 15 actions to support the attraction, retention and expansion of HROs in
Halifax. They include examining regulatory, process and taxation issues; leveraging connections for
newcomers and immigrants to establish international investment initiatives; and exploring the potential
of creating a Free Trade Zone like those employed in Atlanta, Georgia and Tallinn, Estonia.
 Download the HRO Summary Report
 Download the HRO infographic
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For more information or media inquires please contact:
Michelle Forsey
Greater Halifax Partnership
Phone: (902) 490-6335 (o), (902) 456-7535 (c)
Email: mforsey@greaterhalifax.com
About the Greater Halifax Partnership
The Greater Halifax Partnership is the lead economic development organization for Halifax. The
Partnership works to keep and grow business, attract new investment, strengthen the community and
help people succeed. More than 120 businesses and all three levels of government invest in the
Partnership to support economic growth in Halifax. www.greaterhalifax.com